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Glossary
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Apogee
SU residence hall Internet Service Provider (ISP).
SU residence hall Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Bandwidth
The transmission capacity of the lines that carry the Internet's electronic traffic. The greater the bandwidth, the more data can be moved at one time. Lack of bandwidth can impose severe limitations on the ability of the Internet to quickly deliver information.
The transmission capacity of the lines that carry the Internet's electronic traffic. The greater the bandwidth, the more data can be moved at one time. Lack of bandwidth can impose severe limitations on the ability of the Internet to quickly deliver information.
BIOS
Stands for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS gives the computer a little built-in starter kit to run software from floppy disks (FDD) and hard disks (HDD). The BIOS is responsible for booting the computer by providing a basic set of instructions.
Stands for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS gives the computer a little built-in starter kit to run software from floppy disks (FDD) and hard disks (HDD). The BIOS is responsible for booting the computer by providing a basic set of instructions.
Boot
Starting up an operating system. If the computer is already running, it is more often called rebooting.
Starting up an operating system. If the computer is already running, it is more often called rebooting.
Browser
An application that displays HTML and other information found on the Internet. Netscape, Internet Explorer and Mozilla are examples of browsers. This client software accesses the World Wide Web.
An application that displays HTML and other information found on the Internet. Netscape, Internet Explorer and Mozilla are examples of browsers. This client software accesses the World Wide Web.
Cache
A section on the Hard Drive that stores temporary files, such as web pages and other online media, that you have downloaded from the Internet
A section on the Hard Drive that stores temporary files, such as web pages and other online media, that you have downloaded from the Internet
CD-ROM
An optical storage medium that can hold about 600 MB of data and is accessed with lasers.
An optical storage medium that can hold about 600 MB of data and is accessed with lasers.
Cookie
A piece of information sent by a web server to a web browser and saved to the computer. These "cookies" can then be used at a later date to restore the information when the web server is accessed again. Cookies are usually set to expire after a predetermined amount of time.
A piece of information sent by a web server to a web browser and saved to the computer. These "cookies" can then be used at a later date to restore the information when the web server is accessed again. Cookies are usually set to expire after a predetermined amount of time.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. In a microcomputer, a processor on an IC chip (called a microprocessor) serves as the heart of the computer. It interprets and carries out instructions, performs numeric computations, and controls the peripherals connected to it. Often the entire system unit is called the CPU.
Central Processing Unit. In a microcomputer, a processor on an IC chip (called a microprocessor) serves as the heart of the computer. It interprets and carries out instructions, performs numeric computations, and controls the peripherals connected to it. Often the entire system unit is called the CPU.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol provides a mechanism for allocating IP addresses dynamically so that addresses can be reused.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol provides a mechanism for allocating IP addresses dynamically so that addresses can be reused.
DNS
A computer running a program that converts domain names into IP addresses and vice versa. Domain Name Servers are the backbone of the Internet. Domain Name: A unique name that identifies an Internet site. example, "southwestern.edu"
A computer running a program that converts domain names into IP addresses and vice versa. Domain Name Servers are the backbone of the Internet. Domain Name: A unique name that identifies an Internet site. example, "southwestern.edu"
Download
The process of transferring data from a remote computer to a local computer. When you copy a file from a computer on the Internet to your computer, you are "downloading" that file.
The process of transferring data from a remote computer to a local computer. When you copy a file from a computer on the Internet to your computer, you are "downloading" that file.
Driver
A program that controls a device. Every device, whether it be a printer, disk drive, or keyboard, must have a driver program. A driver acts like a translator between the device and programs that use the device.
A program that controls a device. Every device, whether it be a printer, disk drive, or keyboard, must have a driver program. A driver acts like a translator between the device and programs that use the device.
Ethernet
A networking system that enables high speed data communication over coaxial cables. The Ethernet network system supports TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Novell Netware, and other network protocols. An Ethernet (LAN) connection is 10 Mbit/s or 100 Mbit/s, and is used to connect many computers that can all "talk" directly to each other. Normally they will all talk with a few servers and printers, but the network is all-to-all.
A networking system that enables high speed data communication over coaxial cables. The Ethernet network system supports TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Novell Netware, and other network protocols. An Ethernet (LAN) connection is 10 Mbit/s or 100 Mbit/s, and is used to connect many computers that can all "talk" directly to each other. Normally they will all talk with a few servers and printers, but the network is all-to-all.
Firewall
A combination of hardware and software that separates a LAN into two or more parts for security purposes. A firewall is commonly used to separate a network from the Internet.
A combination of hardware and software that separates a LAN into two or more parts for security purposes. A firewall is commonly used to separate a network from the Internet.
Freeware
Software that is available for download and unlimited use without charge.
Software that is available for download and unlimited use without charge.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol - A common method of moving files between two Internet sites. Most FTP sites require a login name and password before files can be retrieved or sent.
File Transfer Protocol - A common method of moving files between two Internet sites. Most FTP sites require a login name and password before files can be retrieved or sent.
GIF
Graphics Interchange Format:-A graphics file format commonly used on the Internet to provide images on Web pages. GIF images are 8-bit (256-color) graphics.
Graphics Interchange Format:-A graphics file format commonly used on the Internet to provide images on Web pages. GIF images are 8-bit (256-color) graphics.
Gigabyte
A thousand (technically 2^10 or 1024) Megabytes.
A thousand (technically 2^10 or 1024) Megabytes.
GUI
Graphical User Interface - A GUI is a software "front end" which lets the user use pictures and "point-and-click" technology to access the software application. It allows a computer user to interact with the computer by manipulating graphic representations (icons) with a mouse or other pointing device instead of typing text commands.
Graphical User Interface - A GUI is a software "front end" which lets the user use pictures and "point-and-click" technology to access the software application. It allows a computer user to interact with the computer by manipulating graphic representations (icons) with a mouse or other pointing device instead of typing text commands.
Homepage
Originally, a home page was the web page that your browser is set to use when it starts up. The more common definition refers to the main web page for any business or personal site.
Originally, a home page was the web page that your browser is set to use when it starts up. The more common definition refers to the main web page for any business or personal site.
Host
Any computer on a network that is a repository for services available to other computers on the network.
Any computer on a network that is a repository for services available to other computers on the network.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language-The language used to build hypertext documents on the World Wide Web(WWW). They are nothing more than plain text documents interpreted (or rendered) by a web browser to display formatted text and fonts, color, graphic images, and links.
HyperText Markup Language-The language used to build hypertext documents on the World Wide Web(WWW). They are nothing more than plain text documents interpreted (or rendered) by a web browser to display formatted text and fonts, color, graphic images, and links.
HTTP
HyperText Markup Language - The protocol for moving hypertext (HTML) files across the Internet. This requires a HTTP client program on one end and a HTTP server program on the other end. HTTP is the most important protocol used on the WWW.
HyperText Markup Language - The protocol for moving hypertext (HTML) files across the Internet. This requires a HTTP client program on one end and a HTTP server program on the other end. HTTP is the most important protocol used on the WWW.
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol-IMAP is gradually replacing POP as the main protocol used by email clients in communicating with email servers. Using IMAP, an email client program can not only retrieve email but can also manipulate messages stored on the server without having to actually retrieve the messages.
Internet Message Access Protocol-IMAP is gradually replacing POP as the main protocol used by email clients in communicating with email servers. Using IMAP, an email client program can not only retrieve email but can also manipulate messages stored on the server without having to actually retrieve the messages.
Interface
This is any type of point where two different things come together. Most often, the term is used to describe the programs between you and your computer like Windows, OS/2 and others. What you see on the screen is the interface between you and what your computer is doing.
This is any type of point where two different things come together. Most often, the term is used to describe the programs between you and your computer like Windows, OS/2 and others. What you see on the screen is the interface between you and what your computer is doing.
Internet Explorer
A web browser developed by Microsoft Corporation that displays HTML and other information found on the Internet.
A web browser developed by Microsoft Corporation that displays HTML and other information found on the Internet.
Intranet
A network inside a company or organization that uses the same kind of software found on the Internet, but is only for internal use.
A network inside a company or organization that uses the same kind of software found on the Internet, but is only for internal use.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network - A high-speed way to move data over existing phone lines. In theory, it can provide speeds of roughly 128,000 bits-per-second; in practice, most people will be limited to 56,000 or 64,000 bits-per-second.
Integrated Services Digital Network - A high-speed way to move data over existing phone lines. In theory, it can provide speeds of roughly 128,000 bits-per-second; in practice, most people will be limited to 56,000 or 64,000 bits-per-second.
ISP
Internet Service Provider-A business that provides access to the Internet and WWW in some form, usually for pay.
Internet Service Provider-A business that provides access to the Internet and WWW in some form, usually for pay.
JPG
Joint Photographic Experts Group-The name of the committee that designed the photographic image-compression standard. The format (.jpg) is optimized for compressing full-color or grayscale photographic images.
Joint Photographic Experts Group-The name of the committee that designed the photographic image-compression standard. The format (.jpg) is optimized for compressing full-color or grayscale photographic images.
Kilobyte
A thousand (technically, 2^10 or 1024) bytes.
A thousand (technically, 2^10 or 1024) bytes.
LAN
Local Area Network-A computer network restricted to a limited area, usually the same building or a floor of a building. Office computers are typically connected to a LAN.
Local Area Network-A computer network restricted to a limited area, usually the same building or a floor of a building. Office computers are typically connected to a LAN.
LCD
Abbreviation of Liquid Crystal Display, a type of display used in digital watches and many portable computers.
Abbreviation of Liquid Crystal Display, a type of display used in digital watches and many portable computers.
Megabyte
A million bytes or a thousand (technically 2^10 or 1024) kilobytes.
A million bytes or a thousand (technically 2^10 or 1024) kilobytes.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface-A high-quality audio file format (.mid). It allows a computer to store and replay a musical instrument's output.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface-A high-quality audio file format (.mid). It allows a computer to store and replay a musical instrument's output.
MPEG
Motion Picture Experts Group-A video file format (.mpeg) offering excellent quality in a comparatively small size. Video files found on the Internet are frequently stored in the MPEG format.
Motion Picture Experts Group-A video file format (.mpeg) offering excellent quality in a comparatively small size. Video files found on the Internet are frequently stored in the MPEG format.
Multimedia
A combination of media types in a single document, such as text, graphics, audio and video.
A combination of media types in a single document, such as text, graphics, audio and video.
Network Card
Network Interface Card or NIC. This is a component of a computer that enables the computer to communicate with other computers via a direct network connection.
Network Interface Card or NIC. This is a component of a computer that enables the computer to communicate with other computers via a direct network connection.
Node
Any single computer connected to a network.
Any single computer connected to a network.
NTFS
Short for NT File System. NTFS has features to improve reliability, such as transaction logs to help recover from disk failures. To control access to files, you can set permissions for directories and/or individual files.
Short for NT File System. NTFS has features to improve reliability, such as transaction logs to help recover from disk failures. To control access to files, you can set permissions for directories and/or individual files.
P2P
Peer to Peer - A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others.
Peer to Peer - A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others.
Peripheral
Any external device attached to a computer. Examples of peripherals include printers, disk drives, display monitors, keyboards, and mice.
Any external device attached to a computer. Examples of peripherals include printers, disk drives, display monitors, keyboards, and mice.
phishing
The activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company
The activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company
Pixel
Shorthand for "picture element", a pixel is the smallest unit of resolution on a monitor. It is commonly used as a unit of measurement.
Shorthand for "picture element", a pixel is the smallest unit of resolution on a monitor. It is commonly used as a unit of measurement.
PNP
Short for Plug and Play, a technology developed by Microsoft and Intel that supports plug-and-play installation. PnP is built into the Windows operating system.
Short for Plug and Play, a technology developed by Microsoft and Intel that supports plug-and-play installation. PnP is built into the Windows operating system.
POP
Post Office Protocol, refers to the way email software (such as Eudora) retrieves mail from a mail server.
Post Office Protocol, refers to the way email software (such as Eudora) retrieves mail from a mail server.
Port
First and most frequently, a port is where information goes into and/or out of a computer, such as the serial port on a PC. Secondly, a "port" often refers to the number appearing after the colon (:) in a domain name, such as http://www.example.com:7000/. Thirdly, to "port" something refers to translating a piece of software from one computer platform to another (for example, from Windows to Macintosh).
First and most frequently, a port is where information goes into and/or out of a computer, such as the serial port on a PC. Secondly, a "port" often refers to the number appearing after the colon (:) in a domain name, such as http://www.example.com:7000/. Thirdly, to "port" something refers to translating a piece of software from one computer platform to another (for example, from Windows to Macintosh).
Processor
A processor is a device that processes programmed instructions and performs tasks, sending and receiving information from the different parts of the system (from hardware and software). The speed at which the CPU processes information internally is measured in MegaHertz (MHz) and GigaHertz (GHz). 1 GHz is equal to 1,000 MHz.
A processor is a device that processes programmed instructions and performs tasks, sending and receiving information from the different parts of the system (from hardware and software). The speed at which the CPU processes information internally is measured in MegaHertz (MHz) and GigaHertz (GHz). 1 GHz is equal to 1,000 MHz.
Protocol
Computer rules that provide uniform specifications so that all computer hardware and operating systems can communicate with each other.
Computer rules that provide uniform specifications so that all computer hardware and operating systems can communicate with each other.
Quick Time
A common video file format created by Apple Computers. Video files found on the Internet are often stored in this format, and require a browser plug-in to be viewed (.mov).
A common video file format created by Apple Computers. Video files found on the Internet are often stored in this format, and require a browser plug-in to be viewed (.mov).
Router
A computer or software package that handles the connection between 2 or more networks. Routers spend all their time looking at the destination addresses of the packets passing through them to decide which route to send them on.
A computer or software package that handles the connection between 2 or more networks. Routers spend all their time looking at the destination addresses of the packets passing through them to decide which route to send them on.
Search Engine
A tool for locating information on the Internet by topic. Popular search engines include Google, Yahoo, and AltaVista.
A tool for locating information on the Internet by topic. Popular search engines include Google, Yahoo, and AltaVista.
Security Certificate
Information that is used by the SSL protocol to establish a secure connection. Security Certificates contain information about its ownership, issuer, valid dates, and an encrypted "fingerprint" that can be used to verify the contents of the certificate. In order for an SSL connection to be created, both sides must have a valid Security Certificate.
Information that is used by the SSL protocol to establish a secure connection. Security Certificates contain information about its ownership, issuer, valid dates, and an encrypted "fingerprint" that can be used to verify the contents of the certificate. In order for an SSL connection to be created, both sides must have a valid Security Certificate.
Shareware
Software that is available on a limited free trial basis. Some shareware applications are fully featured products, while others may have disabled features to encourage purchase of the full ("registered") version.
Software that is available on a limited free trial basis. Some shareware applications are fully featured products, while others may have disabled features to encourage purchase of the full ("registered") version.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transport Protocol- The main protocol used to send email on the Internet. STMP consists of a set of rules for how the sending and receiving programs should interact.
Simple Mail Transport Protocol- The main protocol used to send email on the Internet. STMP consists of a set of rules for how the sending and receiving programs should interact.
Spam
Spamming is to send a message or advertisement to a large number of people who did not request the information, or to repeatedly send the same message to a single person. "Spamming" is considered very poor Netiquette.
Spamming is to send a message or advertisement to a large number of people who did not request the information, or to repeatedly send the same message to a single person. "Spamming" is considered very poor Netiquette.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer encrypts communications between the email servers and your computer so your password is not sent in cleartext.
Secure Sockets Layer encrypts communications between the email servers and your computer so your password is not sent in cleartext.
su-pirate
The name for the secure - password protected - wireless network.
The name for the secure - password protected - wireless network.
su-public
Southwestern's public wireless network, available first floor library and the Cove.
Southwestern's public wireless network, available first floor library and the Cove.
SUeID
Southwestern University electronic ID - typically your email address (in front of the @southwestern.edu) and your password. This single logon works for most SU services.
Southwestern University electronic ID - typically your email address (in front of the @southwestern.edu) and your password. This single logon works for most SU services.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol-This is the suite of protocols that defines the Internet. Originally designed for the UNIX operating system, TCP/IP software is not available for every major computer operating system. To connect to the Internet, a computer must have TCP/IP software.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol-This is the suite of protocols that defines the Internet. Originally designed for the UNIX operating system, TCP/IP software is not available for every major computer operating system. To connect to the Internet, a computer must have TCP/IP software.
Telnet
An Internet protocol allowing a PC to connect to a host computer and use that computer as if you were locally connected. This often provides the ability to use all the software and capabilities of the host computer.
An Internet protocol allowing a PC to connect to a host computer and use that computer as if you were locally connected. This often provides the ability to use all the software and capabilities of the host computer.
Terabyte
A thousand (technically 2^10 or 1024) Gigabytes
A thousand (technically 2^10 or 1024) Gigabytes
TIFF
Tag Image File Format-A popular graphic image file format (.tiff).
Tag Image File Format-A popular graphic image file format (.tiff).
UNIX
The most common operating system for servers on the Internet. UNIX systems are designed to be used by many people at the same time and have TCP/IP built in.
The most common operating system for servers on the Internet. UNIX systems are designed to be used by many people at the same time and have TCP/IP built in.
Upload
The process of transferring data from a local computer to a remote computer. When you copy a file from your computer to a computer on the Internet, you are "uploading" that file.
The process of transferring data from a local computer to a remote computer. When you copy a file from your computer to a computer on the Internet, you are "uploading" that file.
VPN
Virtual Private Network- A network that uses encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.
Virtual Private Network- A network that uses encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.
ZIP
A compressed file format (.zip). Many files available on the Internet are compressed or "zipped" in order to reduce storage space and transfer times.
A compressed file format (.zip). Many files available on the Internet are compressed or "zipped" in order to reduce storage space and transfer times.
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